My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 32

I gripped the edge of my clothes, a wave of bitterness swelling in my chest. Isabella was right. I had always looked up to Alexander. When I first joined The Hawthorne Dynasty, I could only steal quick glances at him whenever he came back to Ashford Manor. I’d stand by his desk, watching him in secret, my heart swelling with a strange satisfaction. And back then, standing by his side, proud and open, was Isabella.

“Later, because of certain things, I had no choice but to leave and break up with him. You probably didn’t expect it, but I was the one who ended things. He never wanted to. You must have noticed that he travels every July. The truth is, he goes to see me, because that’s the season we first met.”

My breath hitched, my mind went blank, and my heart trembled. I didn’t want to believe what Isabella was saying, but I couldn’t deny it. Deep down, I knew she was telling the truth.

From the very first year of our marriage, Alexander had traveled every July, and those trips were always unusually long. I had assumed he was reconnecting with me. But now I realized... they had been in contact all along. He was so dedicated, meeting his ex every year, then returning from his trips as if nothing had happened, playing the part of the “good husband” to me.

Alexander, you’re cruel! So what was this three-year marriage of mine? I suddenly felt like a fool. I had once thought our marriage was the most beautiful thing, but now I saw it for what it really was: a carefully crafted lie. A scam.

“Your wedding anniversary is in September, on the 20th. Actually, that day is my birthday.” Isabella’s words cut through me like a sharp knife.

“No... no way...” I could barely believe my ears.

“What’s so impossible about that? Go ask Alexander yourself if you don’t believe me.” Isabella smirked, her tone oozing sarcasm.

I felt ice run through my veins, as though I’d fallen into an ice cellar. My teeth chattered, and my hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms—but I couldn’t feel the pain.

My wedding anniversary was her birthday. It was too absurd. Too unbelievable. I still remembered when Alexander picked that date, claiming he had checked and confirmed it was an auspicious day. So this was the reason... So this was it.

No wonder every year on our anniversary, he drank so much and seemed so melancholic. I had naively thought he had feelings for me. But the truth was, on our wedding anniversary, he was thinking about another woman! I had once believed we were happy, but now I realized I was just the butt of a cruel joke.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Isabella’s expression faltered.

“I’m laughing at you.” I met her gaze head-on. “You came here to say all this to me, didn’t you want me to back down? Too bad. As long as Alexander and I aren’t divorced, you’ll always be the Mistress. Even if we divorce, you’ll still be the Mistress. I suggest you stop provoking me, or I’ll make sure you regret it. I have a thousand ways to ruin your life, and you’ll never recover.”

Isabella’s smile faltered. “Vivienne, what’s the point of clinging to Alexander? He won’t even spare you a second glance. If you had any self-respect, you’d divorce him immediately!” 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

I smiled coldly. “Speak louder. Louder, so everyone in the restaurant can hear. Let them see what kind of person the big star, Isabella, really is.”

Isabella’s eyes burned with hatred as she stared at me.

“Miss Blackwood, do you have anything else to say? If not, I’m leaving,” I said, turning toward the door. I didn’t return to my seat right away.

I wandered through the mall aimlessly, watching couples walk hand in hand, argue, or quietly stroll together. Watching them made me feel like an outsider. My three-year marriage had turned out to be a carefully crafted lie, designed by someone else. All fake. And because it was fake, it had covered every angle perfectly.

A sharp pain pierced my heart, almost taking my breath away. Just then, my phone rang—it was Sophie.

I picked up the call. “Sophie, I ran into an acquaintance and chatted for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

After hanging up, I took a deep breath and headed back to the restaurant. Looking at the clothes I had bought with Alexander’s card, I sighed deeply.

“Sophie, after dinner, I want to return these clothes.”

“Return them? Why? What’s going on?” Sophie asked, confused.

“Actually, the card isn’t mine. It belongs to someone in my family. I’m afraid they’ll find out if I use their money, so it’s better to return them.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you.”

The staff at the counter were polite and efficient, processing the return without hesitation. Once it was done, I pulled out my own card and repurchased the clothes.

Sophie couldn’t help but tease, “You’re such a hassle. Why not just transfer the money to them another day?”

I smiled faintly and didn’t respond.

After saying goodbye to Sophie, I decided to head to the theater. Though Alexander probably wouldn’t be there, I had promised my grandmother, so I treated it as my last time.

By the time I arrived at the theater, it was nearly 7:30. The hall was buzzing with noise, and most of the seats were filled. I found a spot in the front row, and the seat next to me remained empty. At 7:30, the lights dimmed, leaving only the stage lights glowing.

The ballet began, but as I glanced at the empty seat beside me, a wave of disappointment washed over me.

As expected, he didn’t show up. That empty seat had become my spot for storing my things.

At first, I felt a bit anxious, but soon I was absorbed in the performance, getting lost in the story. I’m not sure how much time passed, but suddenly, a man walked past me. Instinctively, I turned to look, thinking, What’s his deal? Late, and walking so rudely...

Then, to my surprise, the man bent down beside me, moved my things off the seat, and sat down.

When he touched my belongings, I quickly covered them, snapping, “What are you doing?”

But when I saw that it was Alexander, I froze.

The people around us glanced over, and Alexander briefly met my eyes. I hurriedly placed my things on the floor and helped him settle in.

“Sorry I’m late,” he whispered softly.

“Don’t talk. Just watch the performance,” I said flatly, pointing toward the stage.

Alexander didn’t say another word. His gaze was fixed on the stage.

The ballet wrapped up around 9:30. The performers came out to bow, and the audience erupted into applause.

I stood up, gathering my things from the floor and preparing to leave. Alexander took the bags from my hands and quietly said, “Let’s go.”